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Basic Training — Resolving House-Senate Differences

October 3, 2011

In order for a bill or measure to be transmitted out of the legislative branch to the executive branch, it is necessary for both the House and the Senate to pass identical versions of that bill. Every aspect of the versions passed through each chamber must match—from the bill number to every word, period, and comma. If the bill versions passed in either body differ in any respect, the two houses are in what is called ‘‘disagreement’’ and further amendments are necessary to resolve these descepancies before the legislation can be transmitted to the President. The methods of transmission differ in the House and Senate, yet both have pressure points that can be used to slow down or stop a bill during this final stage.